https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120828 2026-09-08T17:04:15Z 2026-09-08T17:04:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121656 2024-05-02T12:54:44Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The identity and role of priests as spiritual fathers in contemporary western society Abstract: Nowhere do we find writings or sayings which imply that spiritual direction is a responsibility reserved only for priests. Being ordained does not automatically grant one the right to guide others. However, priests are often invited to serve as spiritual directors, expressing their identity as spiritual fathers through personal accompaniment. This dissertation delves into the concept of spiritual fatherhood within the priesthood, particularly in the context of spiritual direction. It examines the tradition of spiritual fatherhood and its relevance in today’s family and societal settings. The study aims to understand how contemporary experiences of fatherhood can influence the way Catholic priests approach spiritual companionship. This research acknowledges the ongoing debate around the notion of fatherhood, with terms like “fatherhood crisis” and “the inconsistency, fragility and evaporation of fatherhood” becoming increasingly prevalent. In what Pope Francis describes as an orphaned society, the author questions how fatherhood is perceived and what truly constitutes a father. The dissertation also examines the parallels between biological and spiritual fatherhood. Just as being a man does not automatically confer the gift of fatherhood, priests too must develop their paternal identity within their vocation. The author argues that priests, like biological fathers, have the choice to embrace or evade their responsibilities of fatherhood. By revisiting the analogy of spiritual fatherhood in the light of today’s cultural context, the study seeks to ascertain its applicability within the broad mission of priesthood. The ultimate goal is to inform and enhance the practice of spiritual direction, thereby fostering a deeper sense of spiritual companionship among priests. Description: M.A. Spirit. Comp.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121369 2024-05-02T12:45:11Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Formative relationships in the thought and spirituality of Chiara Lubich Abstract: This study proposes Chiara Lubich’s thought and spirituality as a model to enhance relationships that form the person holistically in the spiritual, as well as the human dimension. The human person, created as ‘imago dei’ is destined to partake of the dynamic relationship of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The study traces how a deepening relationship with God who is Love, by living the Word, as the Holy Spirit suggests, is bound to love of neighbour and leads to relationships with others on the model of the Trinity – the perfect model of communion. Through a bibliographical (literature review) approach, the study traces the formation of Chiara Lubich’s spirituality together with other individuals, making it a spirituality of communion which by its nature, is relational. Lubich’s intuitions as to how to relate to others and be formed – fruit of a lived experience – are expounded in the work. The call to “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21), the hallmark of the Work of Mary or Focolare Movement is pivotal and can be a valid contribution to the contemporary Church in its journey, marked by synodality. The work studies how one can be formed to an openness to the other, by giving space to the other, to be able to freely make yourself one with the other, despite diversity, to the point of a reciprocal indwelling in the dynamic of love itself. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z